Drop-bin containers and holders for same

ABSTRACT

A combination of at least two “drop-bin” units, each unit having at least several bins arranged to pivot outwardly about a generally horizontal axis, from a closed position where outer faces of the bins are generally aligned vertically with each other, to an open position where the outer surfaces angle outwardly from their closed positions. The bins are stacked one above another within a housing, and are connected together, for example via at least one gang bar, such that pivoting one bin outwardly causes all of the bins to pivot outwardly in unison. The housing has connection means configured to engage connection means of a housing of another container unit. The connection means preferably comprise male and female connectors arranged on opposite sides of the housing. The housing advantageously has a readily-disengageable flexible clip to engage a bin to hold the bins in the closed position. The housing further preferably has a tab extending upwardly from an upper surface thereof, the tab having an opening for hanging the container unit. The tab is either foldable against the upper surface or removable from the housing, so as not to interfere with the connection of the container unit with another container unit.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.09/422,964, filed Oct. 22, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to compartmentalized containers forobjects, particularly intended for hardware items and tool components,but useful for a wide variety of purposes. Other uses could include, forexample, cosmetic kits, fishing tackle, organizers for medication,storage for pens, pencils, crayons, storage for various condiments inthe kitchen, organizers for women's trinkets, hobby kits, recreationalitems, sewing kits, etc.

[0003] Although many containers exist, of course, there is always a needfor new and improved containers which are easy and convenient to marketand to use, and which can be easily carried around by a person, ifdesired (either one at a time, or several at a time).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In the invention, a “drop-bin” unit is provided, i.e. a unithaving at least several bins arranged to pivot outwardly about agenerally horizontal axis, from a closed position where outer faces ofthe bins are generally aligned vertically with each other, to an openposition where the outer surfaces angle outwardly from their closedpositions. The bins are stacked one above another within a housing, andare connected together, for example via at least one gang bar, such thatpivoting one bin outwardly causes all of the bins to pivot outwardly inunison.

[0005] The housing has connection means configured to engage connectionmeans of a housing of another container unit.

[0006] The connection means preferably comprise male and femaleconnectors arranged on opposite sides of the housing.

[0007] The housing advantageously has a readily-disengageable flexibleclip to engage a bin to hold the bins in the closed position.

[0008] A combination of at least two container units are preferablyattached to each other via the connection means.

[0009] The housing preferably has a tab extending upwardly from an uppersurface thereof, the tab having an opening for hanging the containerunit.

[0010] The tab is either foldable against the upper surface or removablefrom the housing, so as not to interfere with the connection of thecontainer unit with another container unit.

[0011] The units in holders provide great flexibility for carryingjob-specific items, e.g. seals and washers for plumbing jobs, Marrette™connectors, assorted terminals, etc. for electrical jobs, and soon.Using a holder which can carry a number of drop-bin units allows theuser to remove and replace units as desired, thus avoiding the need tocarry an entire toolbox to a particular job.

[0012] Further features of the invention will be described or willbecome apparent in the detailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, thepreferred embodiment thereof will now be described in detail by way ofexample, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of thedrop-bin unit, with the bins open;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a corresponding view with the bins closed;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a top view of the unit;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a front view of the unit;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a top cross-sectional view of the unit;

[0019]FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the unit, with the binsclosed;

[0020]FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the unit, with the binsopen;

[0021]FIG. 8 is a rear view of the unit;

[0022]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the rear of the unit;

[0023]FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing a clip on the rearof the unit;

[0024]FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the unit with the clip;

[0025]FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view showing magnets on the rearof the unit;

[0026]FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the unit with the magnets;

[0027]FIG. 14 is a front view showing a holder with three units mountedtherein;

[0028]FIG. 15 is a top cross-sectional view showing the holder and unitsof FIG. 14;

[0029]FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view showing the holder andunits of FIG. 14, with the bins open;

[0030]FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a similar holder to that ofFIGS. 14-16, but with a carrying handle;

[0031]FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional view showing two holders, matedwith each other back-to-back;

[0032]FIG. 18A is a close-up cross-sectional view showing the connectionbetween a housing of one of the units, and one of the FIG. 18 holders;

[0033]FIG. 19 is a front view showing the holders of FIG. 18;

[0034]FIG. 20 is a top cross-sectional view of the FIG. 18 holder;

[0035]FIG. 20A is a close-up cross-sectional view showing the connectionbetween the FIG. 18 holders;

[0036]FIG. 21 is a side cross-sectional view of a holder similar to thatof FIG. 18, but fully covering the sides of the units;

[0037]FIG. 22 is a front view showing the holder of FIG. 21;

[0038]FIG. 23 is a top cross-sectional view showing the FIG. 21 holder;

[0039]FIG. 24 is a top cross-sectional view showing a holder which hastwo section which are hinged to each other, shown folded shut;

[0040]FIG. 25 is a top cross-sectional view showing the FIG. 24 holder,folded open;

[0041]FIG. 26 is a front cross-sectional view showing a carouselarrangement of several units;

[0042]FIG. 27 is a top cross-sectional view of the FIG. 26 holder;

[0043]FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a cylindrical version;

[0044]FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing the FIG. 28 version with thebins open;

[0045]FIG. 30 is a top cross-sectional view of the FIG. 28 version;

[0046]FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing a holder with three unitsarranged in a triangular fashion;

[0047]FIG. 32 is a top cross-sectional view showing the FIG. 31 holder;

[0048]FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view showing the unitsmountable in a tool box

[0049]FIG. 34 is a side view showing an alternative means of ganging thebins, with the bins closed;

[0050]FIG. 35 is a side view showing the same alternative means ofganging the bins, with the bins open;

[0051]FIG. 36 is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 2, showing anembodiment where the bins are not of uniform width;

[0052]FIG. 37A is a front view of one embodiment of modules attachabledirectly to each other;

[0053]FIG. 37B is a top view of the modules shown in FIG. 37A;

[0054]FIG. 38A is a front view of a single module of FIG. 37A;

[0055]FIG. 38B is a side view of the module shown in FIG. 38A;

[0056]FIG. 38C is a further side view of the module shown in FIG. 38A;

[0057]FIG. 39A is a front view of a further embodiment of modulesattachable directly to each other;

[0058]FIG. 39B is a top view of the modules shown in FIG. 39A;

[0059]FIG. 40A is a front view of a single module of FIG. 39A;

[0060]FIG. 40B is a side view of the module shown in FIG. 39A;

[0061]FIG. 40C is a further side view of the module shown in FIG. 39A;

[0062]FIG. 40D is a top view of the module shown in FIG. 39A;

[0063]FIG. 41A is a front view of modules attached to each other,showing a handle attachable to the connection means used to attachmodules; and

[0064]FIG. 41B is a top view of the modules shown in FIG. 41A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0065] The preferred embodiment of the “drop-bin” unit 1, seen mostclearly in FIGS. 1 and 2, can be sold and used on its own, or can besold on its own intended to be used as part of a larger system, or soldtogether with a larger system. The unit has several bins 2 arranged topivot outwardly about a generally horizontal axis. FIG. 1 shows the binspivoted outwardly to an open position, and FIG. 2 shows the bins intheir closed position where outerfaces 3 of the bins are generallyaligned vertically with each other.

[0066] The larger system could be, for example, a holder which isconfigured to receive one or many such drop-bins. The holder could be,for example, a holder 50 as shown in FIG. 14. This and other holders aredescribed in detail below, as specific examples only. Alternatively, theholder could be a tool box 59, as shown in FIG. 33, i.e. one or moreunits could be fitted into recesses in the outside 60 of a tool box orcould be snapped below the lid 61 of the tool box.

[0067] More will be said about various holder options later, but firstthe preferred embodiment of the drop bin unit will be described indetail.

[0068] Within each drop-bin unit 1, the bins 2 are stacked one aboveanother within a housing 4, and are connected together, for example viaat least one gang bar 5 connecting the bins to each other, such thatpivoting one bin outwardly causes all of the ganged bins to pivotoutwardly in unison. There could be one gang bar only, or one gang baralong each side of the bins. Alternatively, the bins could be connectedin the manner shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, described in greater detailbelow, or in any other suitable fashion.

[0069] Each gang bar is connected to the bins by protruding pins 6located along its length which fit into holes in the side walls of eachbin. Alternatively, it should be clear that the pins could protrude fromthe side walls of each bin, to fit into holes in the gang bar. The binspivot in the housing via pins 7 on either side of the bins. Obviously,these could be pins extending from the bins into holes or depressions inthe housing, or vice versa.

[0070] The bins are kept in their closed position by a flexible plastictab 8 at the top of the housing, the tab having a lip extending justslightly downwardly to catch the uppermost bin. The tab could beconfigured as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or with slots on either sidethereof as in FIG. 3, for cantilevering to promote flexibility. Anyother suitable means of securing the bins to the housing could be used.To open the bins, pulling slightly on one of them is enough to disengagethe tab 8, to allow the bins to rotate. Alternatively, in someembodiments, in could be made necessary that the tab must be manuallydislodged in order for the bins to be openable. Closing the bins causesthe lip to catch the uppermost bin slightly, so that they remain closeduntil pulled outwardly again.

[0071] The entire unit preferably is molded plastic, but the entireassembly and/or one or more of the bins could be of metal or othersuitable material, to permit other uses. For example, the unit to beused as a combination ashtray/coin holder.

[0072] Preferably, each drop-bin unit is fitted with a tab 10, with ahole for hanging on a peg hook at the point of sale or in thepurchaser's workshop. The tab can be fixed, but preferably has a livinghinge where it joins the body of the housing, so that it can be foldedflat, as shown in FIG. 13, if the unit is to be snapped into a holder.Alternatively, it can be frangible, so that it can be broken off by thepurchaser if desired, or otherwise easily removable from the drop-binunit.

[0073] Preferably, each unit can also have keyhole opening 11 on a rearsurface, for hanging the unit on a nail, screw, etc.

[0074] Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, each unit can beprovided with a molded/detachable clip 14 that can enable clipping on arail (individually or side-by-side) or carrying on a belt or in apocket.

[0075] Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the units can befitted with one or more adhesive-backed magnets 16 to facilitatemounting on any metal surface, i.e. the side of a metal tool box,refrigerator, etc.

[0076] Similarly, the units could have a Velcro™ hook or pile strip (notshown) that would allow it to be secured to a counterpart strip onanother object, for example the sun visor in an automobile.

[0077] Larger systems can be assembled by fitting individual drop-binunits together, either back-to-back or side-by-side, using a variety ofmeans, i.e. pins and holes, slots, tongue-and-groove, etc.Alternatively, larger systems can be assembled by snapping one or moreunits into various holders, as mentioned previously. Various holderoptions will now be described in greater detail.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 14-16, for example, a separate holder 50 can beprovided that will enable drop-bins to be snapped in. As seen in FIGS. 1and 2, the units preferably have two tabs 51 at the bottom thereof, toinsert into corresponding slots in the holder 50. The units alsopreferably have two springy catches 52 at the top thereof, with a lipportion which projects slightly upwardly, such that when the tabs 51 areinserted, and the unit is then rotated into the holder, the catches 52cause the lip portions to snap into corresponding slots in the top ofthe holder. The units can be removed by depressing the catch slightly todisengage the lip portions from the slots.

[0079] FIGS. 14-16 show a holder with three units mounted therein.Obviously, however, there could be only one unit, if desired, or many.

[0080] As illustrated in various drawings, the holder can be fabricatedwith a handle for carrying (e.g. FIG. 17), and/or keyhole openings atthe rear for wall mounting (FIG. 19).

[0081]FIG. 18 is an example showing two holders 50 and 50′, mated witheach other back-to-back. FIG. 18A shows one example of how the housings4 can be connected to the holder 50. FIG. 19 is a front view showing theholders of FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a top cross-sectional view. FIG. 20A is aclose-up cross-sectional view again showing one example of how thehousings 4 can be connected to the holder 50.

[0082]FIG. 21 is a side cross-sectional view showing another alternativewith two holders 50 and 50′, similar to that of FIG. 18 but fullycovering the top, bottom and sides of the units. FIG. 22 is a front viewshowing the holder of FIG. 21, and FIG. 23 is a top cross-sectionalview.

[0083]FIG. 24 is a top cross-sectional view showing a holder which hastwo sections 50 and 50′ which are hinged to each other by a hinge 55,shown folded shut. A catch 56 engages a notch 57 to hold the sectiontogether, or any other suitable catch or closure means could be used.FIG. 25 shows the FIG. 24 holder, folded open.

[0084]FIG. 26 is a front cross-sectional view showing a carouselarrangement of several units. The bins snap between top and bottomplates 60 and 61 respectively, mounted on a base 62. A handle 63 isprovided, for carrying or rotating the assembly. FIG. 27 is a topcross-sectional view of the FIG. 26 holder.

[0085]FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a cylindrical version, wherewedge-shaped bins are mounted between upper and lower plates 60 and 61around a central post assembly 64. FIG. 29 is a perspective view showingthe FIG. 28 version with the bins open. FIG. 30 is a top cross-sectionalview of the FIG. 28 version.

[0086]FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing a holder with three unitsarranged in a triangular fashion between top and bottom plates 60 and61. FIG. 32 is a top cross-sectional view showing the FIG. 31 holder.

[0087]FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view showing the unitsmountable in a tool box.

[0088] To summarize some possible variations on the holders, they can beattached to each other in a variety of ways:

[0089] a. back-to-back such that drop-bins are accessible from eitherside;

[0090] b. side-by-side such that drop-bins are accessible from the sameside;

[0091] c. holders can be molded and connected together via a livinghinge. The holder, in this case, can be folded and secured back-to-backto provide access to the drop-bins from either side; or

[0092] d. the holder can be swung open and be flat, in which case, allthe drop bins are accessible from the same side.

[0093] Also, double-thickness holders can be molded that will acceptdrop-bins in either direction.

[0094] The holders can be fabricated in many shapes and configurations,having drop-bins of corresponding shapes:

[0095] a. a circular holder around which drop-bins are installed. Theholder can be rotated to select a particular bin/contents;

[0096] b. the holder can be polygonal, inserted into a swivel base, andequipped with a turning knob at the top (to rotate holder);

[0097] c. the holder can have a common wall (with or without a handle)onto which drop-bins can be attached from either side using variousmeans (mentioned previously).

[0098] Yet another variation is that the holder could have a commonvertical center wall, with drop-bin units secured to either side thereofby any suitable means.

[0099]FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate an alternative means of ganging thebins, i.e. instead of using gang bars. In this embodiment, the binspivot on pins 75. Pins 70 from one bin ride in a slot 71 in a flange 72attached to the side of the adjacent bin. By virtue of the geometry ofthe slot 71, rotating one bin 2 causes the wall of the slot to act onthe pin of the adjacent bin, to cause that bin to rotate as well.

[0100] A further variation is that the width of the bins could be variedor split. For example, as shown in FIG. 36, one or more of the binscould be split into two separate bins, one ganged from one side and theother ganged from the other side.

[0101]FIGS. 37A to 38C show drop-bin units 1 having a housing 4 and bins2, as described before. The drop-bin units further have at least onefemale dovetail 53, preferably more than one, arranged on one side ofthe housing and the corresponding number of male dovetails 54 arrangedon an opposite side of the housing. A number of drop-bin units 1 canthus be connected together by inserting male dovetails of one unit intothe female dovetails of another unit, to create a chain ofinterconnected drop-bin units. Alternative inter-connection means to thedovetails can be used, as shown in FIGS. 39A to 40D. Pins 53′ arearranged on one side of the housing, cooperating with side holes 54′arranged on an opposite side of the housing. All further technicalfeatures are the same and use the same reference numbers. The pin ispreferably shaped with a retaining flange or lip, to securely hold thepin in position once it is inserted into a corresponding side hole.

[0102]FIGS. 41A to 41B show a further embodiment of drop-bin units 1attached to each other via female dovetails 53 and male dovetails 54, asdescribed previously. As is shown, dovetails may be arranged on sides ofthe drop-bin units, or on top and bottoms. It is also possible toarrange them on the backs of the units (not shown). A carrying handle58, having a corresponding arrangement of female dovetail 53″ and maledovetail 54″, can be attached to a male dovetail 53 and a femaledovetail 54, respectively, to fasten the handle so that the entireassembly of attached-together drop-bin units may be carried. Thisembodiment (and other embodiments above) is not limited to the use ofdovetail connectors, any suitable type of connector is envisioned.

1. A container unit, comprising a housing having opposing side walls,and a plurality of bins mounted between said side walls for rotationbetween closed and open positions, such that in said closed position,outer faces of said bins are generally coplanar, and in said openposition, said outer faces each angle outwardly from said housing,thereby providing access into said bins, said bins being connectedtogether for movement in unison, said outer faces occupyingsubstantially all of a front portion of said housing, said housinghaving hanging means extending upwardly from an upper surface thereof,said hanging means having an opening for hanging said container unit. 2.A container unit as recited in claim 1, wherein said hanging means isfrangible, breakable or otherwise removable from said housing.
 3. Acontainer unit as recited in claim 1, said housing further comprisingconnection means configured to engage connection means of a housing ofanother container unit.
 4. A container unit as recited in claim 3,wherein said connection means comprise male and female connectorsarranged on opposite sides of said housing.
 5. A container unit asrecited in claim 3, wherein said bins are connected for movement inunison by at least one gang bar arranged along a side of said bins,connected to said bins.
 6. A container unit as recited in claim 3,further comprising readily-disengageable clip means to engage a said binto hold said bins in said closed position.
 7. A combination of at leasttwo container units as recited in claim 3, wherein said container unitsare attached to each other via said connection means.
 8. A containerunit as recited in claim 3, wherein said housing has a tab extendingupwardly from an upper surface thereof, said tab having an opening forhanging said container unit.
 9. A container unit as recited in claim 8,wherein said tab is foldable against said upper surface so as not tointerfere with the connection of said container unit with anothercontainer unit.
 10. A container unit as recited in claim 8, wherein saidtab is removable from said housing so as not to interfere with theconnection of said container unit with another container unit.
 11. Acontainer unit as recited in claim 3, wherein a carrying handle isattachable to said connection means.
 12. A container unit, comprising ahousing having opposing side walls, and a plurality of bins mountedbetween said side walls for rotation between closed and open positions,such that in said closed position, outer faces of said bins aregenerally coplanar, and in said open position, said outer faces eachangle outwardly from said housing, thereby providing access into saidbins, said bins being connected together for movement in unison, saidouter faces occupying substantially all of a front portion of saidhousing, said housing further comprising connection means configured toengage connection means of a housing of another container unit.
 13. Acontainer unit as recited in claim 12, wherein said connection meanscomprise male and female connectors arranged on opposite sides of saidhousing.
 14. A container unit as recited in claim 12, wherein said binsare connected for movement in unison by at least one gang bar arrangedalong a side of said bins, connected to said bins.
 15. A container unitas recited in claim 12, further comprising readily-disengageable clipmeans to engage a said bin to hold said bins in said closed position.16. A combination of at least two container units as recited in claim12, wherein said container units are attached to each other via saidconnection means.
 17. A container unit as recited in claim 12, whereinsaid housing has a tab extending upwardly from an upper surface thereof,said tab having an opening for hanging said container unit.
 18. Acontainer unit as recited in claim 17, wherein said tab is foldableagainst said upper surface so as not to interfere with the connection ofsaid container unit with another container unit.
 19. A container unit asrecited in claim 17, wherein said tab is removable from said housing soas not to interfere with the connection of said container unit withanother container unit.
 20. A container unit as recited in claim 12,wherein a carrying handle is it attachable to said connection means.